Panchkula sees 94% rise in Covid cases in November

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, November 30

Panchkula witnessed 62 Covid infections in November, a rise of almost 94 per cent compared to last month. October saw just 32 cases. In terms of fatalities, one death each was recorded in both months.

Vaccine is a must. Vaccinated people may catch the virus but get cured easily, in a majority of the cases, without hospitalisation. — Dr Mukta Kumar, Panchkula CMO

The upward trend was also seen in neighbouring Mohali.

Compared to 88 cases in October, 122 infections were reported in November in Mohali district. The number of deaths also went up from three in October to four in November.

The local health authorities in both districts, however, stressed that it was too early declare it the beginning of a new wave.

“If we study the history of pandemics, the current trend suggests that the virus is currently evolving. Yes, cases went up in November compared to last month. But, in the past four days, just five cases were reported. Once the number of active cases had reached 37, but has once again come down 27. Hence, it’s too early to say if it is the start of a new Covid wave,” said the Panchkula CMO, Dr Mukta Kumar.

Asked about the possible reasons, she said waning vaccine immunity and complacency could be the biggest factors but nothing was conclusive so far. The CMO said they were constantly monitoring the situation and were confident of tackling any rise in the Covid infections.

Amid concerns about the new Omicron Covid variant, she urged the unvaccinated population to come forward for vaccination. “Vaccine is a must. Vaccinated people may catch the virus but get cured easily, in a majority of the cases, without hospitalisation,” the CMO said.

The Health Department also claimed that it was going an extra mile to ensure 100 per cent vaccination in the district. Villages have been adopted by officers to ensure maximum Covid vaccination, it said.

“Yesterday, I apprised the new Deputy Commissioner of the current Covid situation. I also urged him to open Covid care centres for better care of patients,” Dr Kumar said.